10 Must See Fall 2017 TV Shows You Should Be Watching

It’s that time of year again when you switch out the flip-flops and sandals for a nice new pair of camel-colored knee boots; with or without the heel. The air is so crisp and cool you really don’t need the AC any longer – now you need the heat. And the coffees come in the best flavors like apple spice or anything pumpkin.

Not to mention, we “fall back” and reclaim that extra hour of sleep we’ve missing all summer, and we’re definitely going to need, now that our favorite Must-See fall TV shows are about to have our weeknights lit with new episodes.

Most of these shows have been dominating our fall weeknights for quite some time, with a few entering their final season, and others that are brand spanking new. Here’s a list of the Must-See TV you should be watching this fall.

Survivor’s Remorse (STARZ)

What: Currently in its fourth season and produced by LeBron James. The half-hour comedy series centers around a young, newly signed basketball player (Jessie T. Usher) originally from the inner-city streets of Boston, now living in Atlanta with his mother; sister and cousin (Tichina Arnold, Erica Ash, RonReaco Lee.) They all have to adjust to living and maintaining a new wealthy lifestyle while often tackling issues of their past.

When: Sundays at 10 p.m., Starz (Currently Airing)

Why: It’s hilarious! The main character Cam Calloway (Usher) is the money ticket – he’s the star of the family and the goal of his relatives is to guide and protect the star. Cassie, his mother (Arnold) is a little bit “ratchet” with a foul mouth but, loves her family –especially Cam. His older sister Mary Charles (Ash) is just as bold and opinionated as her mother. And then there’s Reggie, (Lee) Cam’s cousin and manager who’s the educated hustler and like the glue that keeps it all from falling a part.

How to Get Away with Murder / HTGAWM (ABC)

What:HTGAWM is a Shonda Rhimes produced drama that follows the lives of a well-respected criminal defense attorney & law professor, Annalise Keating, (Viola Davis) and her students who not only provide legal counsel for clients charged with murder but, get caught up in murder plots and cover ups of their own.

When: Thursdays at 10 p.m., ABC (premiering September 28)

Why: Well, aside from the fact that the series and its lead actress, Viola Davis, have received an NAACP Image Award, an Emmy Award and a 2016 Screen Actors Guild Award, this show is great must-see TV because it’s packed full of suspense that will keep you on the edge of your seat with every episode. A weekly dose of a “who done it” type of thriller in its fourth season, so you still have time to start from the beginning if you’re not familiar.

Scandal (ABC)

What: Another Shonda Rhimes, Thursday-night series full of suspense; controversy, political drama, sex and scandal. It centers around the main character, Crisis Management professional Olivia Pope (Kerry Washington) and her ties to the White House and the president.

When: Thursdays 9 p.m., ABC (premiering October 5 – FINAL SEASON)

Why: This show has given us seven seasons of jaw-dropping secrets, explicit affairs and some trendy fashion ensembles that only the chic and savvy Olivia Pope could inspire. Now in it’s final season, we’re anxious to see how Rhimes and her brilliant team will tie up all loose ends and bring this story full circle.

Queen Sugar (OWN)

What: This Ava Duvernay created series explores the value of family through the stories of three siblings who try to balance their personal lives and family lives, after inheriting the farm land of their deceased father.

Why: This family drama touches on issues that are pertinent to black families like racism; police brutality, divorce, drug addictions and the struggles endured by formerly incarcerated black men, that served their time but are still bound by their conviction. All of their struggles bring them closer as a family.

This Is Us (NBC)

What: A family drama created by Dan Fogleman that explores the lives of different people who share the same birthdays.

When: Tuesdays 9p.m., NBC (premiering September 26)

Why: This tear-jerking family drama stars a remarkable cast, including NAACP Image Award snd Emmy winner, Sterling K. Brown, whose character Randall Pearson was adopted into a white family, with two siblings, who all share the same birthday. The story delves into each of their personal lives and explores their close family bond throughout the years. Just try to watch this television series without reaching for a Kleenex or two and you’ll fail every time (emotional.)

Black-ish (ABC)

What: A black family sitcom created by Kenya Barris, starring Anthony Anderson and Tracee Ellis Ross that centers around everyday situations of two middle class parents raising teenage children.

When: Tuesdays 9 p.m. (premiering October 3 New Day and Time)

Why: This half-hour comedy is edgy, it’s witty and it’s FUNNY! Each episode is intelligently written and spotlights present day concerns and issues related to black culture and black family.

Mary Mary (WEtv)

What: A docu-series following the lives and careers of gospel recording artists, sister-duo Erica & Tina Campbell of Mary Mary.

When: Thursdays 9 p.m., WE tv (premiering September 28 FINAL SEASON)

Why: While most reality tv pretty much cover all areas of “ratchetness” and lack of purpose – here’s one with ideals that actually speak life into black women. One of substance and entertainment, it covers all of the essentials – God; faith, family and career. And yes, families do bicker, especially sisters, but the Campbell sisters know how to keep it fun, yet loving, for family TV. Sadly, this will be the last season.

She’s Gotta Have It (NETFLIX)

What: A Spike Lee created and produced half-hour series based on his 1986 film She’s Gotta Have It. The Netflix original series consists of ten episodes.

Why: If anything, you should watch to see how Lee has taken this 1986 film and updated it to include present day situations. The characters are all portrayed by minority actors and fresh faces in Hollywood are always a great thing.

The Comedy Get Down (New)

What: A new scripted series starring comedians Cedric the Entertainer, Eddie Griffin, DL Hughley, George Lopez and the late Charlie Murphy. It takes the viewer behind the scenes of their standup comedy tour of the same name and exposes what happens when they’re not on stage.

When: Thursdays 11:30 p.m., BET (premiering October 12)

Why: Because if you know anything about at least one of these comedians, then you know it’s going to be funny. The show is not so much about the comedy tour itself but, everything that happens before and after each show. Plus, it’s scripted which makes it funnier and sets it a part from reality TV. And as if there’s really a need to point it out – Charlie Murphy in his last comedic role. (Need we say more?)

Why: Because 50 hasn’t let us down thus far with all of his other projects. Especially when he’s in the Executive Producer seat and making appearances in the show too. We’re here for it 50 and BET.

Wanda J. Coppage is a full -time Music Director at an Urban AC radio station, journalist and proud Virginia State University alum – Go Trojans! As a music enthusiast who can’t go a day without hearing R&B/Soul or Classic Hip Hop as well as a TV passionista, why not live a life that covers both?